Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Someone Gave Me Something

No, Mr. Mojo, not what you're thinking.

So, I wandered into Excel Audio, the True Toy Store, to chat audio with my friend, Mike Rose. I told him I needed an amp and pre for my Harbeth upstairs system. He pointed to one of the ugliest amps I've ever seen, the Dan D'Agostino designed Aragon 4004 (400 watts into 4 ohms, 200 into 8) and asked me if I wanted it. "Sure," I said. He then sold me an Audio Research LS25 mkii for $450, another GIFT. These things go for quite a bit of money. I schlepped the Audio Research upstairs, but the Aragon is a beast, no box, so I can't slide it up the carpeted stairs. I will report back once they are all installed. What a generous fellow! I am so happy. That's what getting something nice for nothing does for you. Makes you happy.

PS Both were trade-ins. Mike retubed the LS25.

hey 2x, I just looked up that 4004. Nice score! Looks it doubles down to 4 ohms and can handle down to 2 ohm swings. Very nice indeed. Looking forward to a review. That could be one heck of a combo you have there! Congrats!

Looks like a giant business card holder. You aint kiddin!

You could probably do fondue and melt a giant Toblerone in there!!

It would sound sweeter......see what i did there? Ha Ha !

Yes boys!! Sweet, yet, ugly! I'm waiting for my weightlifting friend to get that beastie upstairs.

Yes, Trevor, that's exactly what it looks like ... a business card holder!

I'm really happy. I think they will play very nicely together!

Here she is, the Audio Research LS25 mkii. Gotta get the monster Aragon 4004 upstairs. Can't wait to hear this system up and running.

Will report!





PS I have a Rotel RCD 990 CD Player with XLR outputs in that system, a Line Magnetic LP33 phonostage, a beautiful Denon DP45 turntable with a Shure M95 or 97e cartridge (don't remember, too lazy to look) and, of course, the magnificent Harbeth 30.2 Anniversary speakers. Should sound pretty darn good.

BTW, the Audio Research uses 6H30 super-tubes!

And here is a picture of the drop dead gorgeous Denon DP45f turntable.

No patience. Who cares if the Aragon weighs 54 kilos. In it went along with the Audio Research LS25 MKII preamp. The ugliness of the Aragon is hidden in the shadow of the bottom cubby of the cabinet.

Morning workout. I'll hook it all up and give it a listen this evening. Will report back.



BTW, unfortunately, the Rotel is not the 990, it is the 991, identical except for the Philips Pro Transport in the 990. If you ever find one, that is the one to get. The 991 is pretty darn good as well.

Reporting back:

Oh my goodness, but this system sounds spectacular. Tubes have to warm up, so, rather than instant disappointment, I waited for 10 minutes. Holy smoke, what beautiful music!!

So far, I've listened to the Rotel CDP, Telemarc 1812 Overture, and Ludovico Einaudi Essentials, Islands. Oh my goodness, this is wonderful. This evening, I'll get serious and listen to some vinyl.

2x, it seems that most would be envious over any of your setups ...
Which is your lowest end?